Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of Vitex negundo leaves

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Phytochemical characterisation and anti-microbial activity of vitex negundu leaves
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

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Author:

S. M. Verma, P. Ramchandran, R.K. Verma


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: Phytochemical characterisation and anti-microbial activity of vitex negundu leaves

Year: 2001

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Vitex negundu, commonly known as 'Lagundi,' is a plant widely distributed throughout India, known for its traditional medicinal uses, particularly in treating cough, cold, bronchitis, and other inflammatory conditions. Various parts of the plant, including roots, bark, seeds, and leaves, have been utilized in ethnomedicine for a range of ailments. Despite the documented analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant, the antibacterial activity of its leaves had not been extensively studied, prompting the research to explore the antibacterial effects of Vitex negundu leaf extract.

Phytochemical Characterization and Antibacterial Activity

The study involved the collection and characterization of Vitex negundu leaves, followed by extraction using solvents such as petroleum ether and chloroform. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several compounds, including alkaloids, sterols, tannins, and flavonoids, with vitexin being notably identified through thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The antimicrobial activity was assessed against gram-negative bacteria, specifically Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella sonnei, and Proteus mirabilis. The results indicated that the leaf extract demonstrated antibacterial activity, although it was less effective than the standard antibiotic chloramphenicol at the same concentration.

Conclusion

The findings from this study highlight the potential of Vitex negundu leaf extract as an antibacterial agent against various gram-negative bacterial strains. The leaf extract showed inhibitory effects, suggesting its usefulness in developing natural antimicrobial treatments. Further research is warranted to fully understand the mechanisms of action and to explore the clinical applications of Vitex negundu in treating bacterial infections. This study opens new avenues for utilizing traditional medicinal plants in modern pharmacology, particularly in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What are the traditional uses of Vitex negundu leaves?

Vitex negundu, commonly known as Lagundi, is traditionally used for treating cough, cold, bronchitis, asthma, and inflammation. It's also recognized for its expectorant properties and is used among Mundas of Chotanagpur to alleviate body pain.

How were the extracts of Vitex negundu leaves prepared?

Dried Vitex negundu leaves were pulverized and extracted using solvents like petroleum ether and chloroform in a Soxhlet apparatus. The extracts were processed by evaporating the solvents at low temperatures, followed by drying under vacuum.

What phytoconstituents were identified in Vitex negundu extracts?

Phytoconstituents in the petroleum ether extract included alkaloids, sterols, and tannins. The chloroform extract showed the presence of flavonoids and vitexin, which were identified using specific solvent systems and thin-layer chromatography.

What were the findings regarding the antimicrobial activity of the extracts?

The antimicrobial activity tests indicated that the leaf extract of Vitex negundu inhibited the growth of gram-negative bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella sonnei, and Proteus mirabilis, though the inhibition was less effective compared to the antibiotic chloramphenicol.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of Vitex negundo leaves”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Activity:
Activity refers to the capability of a substance, in this context, the antimicrobial effects demonstrated by the leaf extract of Vitex negundu. The study indicates that the extract shows inhibitory effects against certain bacterial strains, suggesting potential applications in developing treatments for infections, thereby highlighting its relevance in phytomedical research.

2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial describes the property of a substance that inhibits bacterial growth or kills bacteria. In the research, the antibacterial activity of Vitex negundu leaves was assessed, showing its effectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Shigella sonnei. This suggests its application in combating bacterial infections.

3) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid refers to a class of phytochemicals involved in various biological activities, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. The chloroform extract of Vitex negundu was noted to contain flavonoids, which are associated with health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. Their identification in the study is significant for potential therapeutic applications.

4) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. This research embodies scientific inquiry into the phytochemical properties and antimicrobial potential of Vitex negundu, contributing to the broader field of pharmaceutical sciences and natural product research.

5) Water:
Water, in this context, is mentioned in relation to solvent systems used for isolating and identifying phytochemicals. Water is commonly involved in various extraction and testing protocols, including the n-butanol: acetic acid: water system to verify the presence of flavonoids, underscoring its role in phytochemical research.

6) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to bioactive compounds produced by plants. The study focuses on identifying phytochemicals such as alkaloids, sterols, tannins, and flavonoids in Vitex negundu leaves. Understanding these compounds is vital for recognizing their potential health benefits, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

7) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, often associated with pain and diseases. The abstract mentions the traditional use of Vitex negundu for inflammation, indicating its potential application in treating inflammatory conditions. The study's findings on its phytochemicals may contribute to developing anti-inflammatory therapies.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of Vitex negundo leaves’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Fresh leaves, Antibacterial activity, Antimicrobial activity, Ethnomedicine, Chloroform extract, Soxhlet extraction, Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activity, Leaf extract, Nutrient agar plate, Gram Negative Bacterial Strain, Macroscopic and microscopic character.

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